Article October 30, 1937 Issue

In Quest of the Divine Nature

KATE E. ANDREAE

STERLING qualities are of all possessions the most valuable. In this world of ours temperamental characteristics are, however, as varied as the numberless mentalities which constitute material existence. Some individuals appear to be born with happy dispositions. Others, through no fault of their own, seem to be handicapped by undesirable inherited tendencies. One sometimes hears it said, "If you knew the family history of so and so, you would realize that he has not had a chance." But this is the frail and undependable evidence of the so-called material sense, the false mortal testimony, and with the help of Christian Science it can be overcome. Whether we are blessed with good dispositions or otherwise, whether we are supposed to have inherited what is called "an artistic temperament" or a difficult nature, Christian Science points to the sure remedy, the healing truth—to what Mrs. Eddy terms "the great curative Principle,—Deity" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 25).

The remedy, then, for all our troubles, our temperamental difficulties, the friction and inharmony in family and community life, the clashing of human wills, and so on, is to be found in going right down to fundamentals. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ... And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." The depressing survey of a long line of ancestors, each having possessed traits which are supposed to have been handled down through generations, gives place to the contemplation of God and His expression, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Then man's true spiritual nature, expressing the divine qualities, begins to appear, as the rightful and everpresent inheritance of all God's children.

A most interesting and satisfying occupation for the student of Christian Science opens from the time he starts studying "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. For this Science loosens the bonds that he has believed have held him a prisoner under the demoralizing influence of materially inherited weaknesses. Perhaps one may be faced with the mesmeric suggestion that a certain temperamental characteristic is part of himself, that he was born with it, has grown up with it, and must keep it all his life. This is not true. The Christian Scientist is learning that his nature is the heavenly Father's nature by reflection, that God sends forth all His ideas eternally reflecting His own qualities and attributes. These ideas, expressing the divine characteristics, never digress from perfection; they know no weakness, no insubordination, no falling away from grace. That is why the student, in contemplating these facts, finds himself gradually putting on the divine nature. Discordant traits, erratic tendencies, moodiness, and so forth, begin to give way before the poise, dignity, and immovable steadfastness of Soul. Inferiority complexes, self-depreciation, are displaced by the ability and calm assurance which belong to God's reflection.

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